Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021
Latest information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: International Travelers
Quick Reference Guide: Requirements to Travel to the U.S. by Air (PDF – 114 KB)
For U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, and Immigrants:
Before boarding a flight to the United States, you are required to show one of the following:
- If you are fully vaccinated: Proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days before travel.
- If you are NOT fully vaccinated: A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel.
Children under 2 years old do not need to test. Unvaccinated children between two and 17 traveling with vaccinated parents may be tested with the parents within 3 days before travel. If they are traveling unaccompanied or if one of more of the parents are not vaccinated, they must be tested within 1 day before travel. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
CDC may grant humanitarian exemptions on an extremely limited basis when emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s life, health against a serious danger, or physical safety and testing cannot be completed before travel. Please contact your airline for guidance. If you are a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. National, or a Lawful Permanent Resident needing further assistance, please email SeoulinfoACS@state.gov.
Learn more about these and other requirements, exemptions, and frequently asked questions on the CDC website.
Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Immigrants (including K-visa holders):
Please refer to CDC website for further details and guidance on the new requirement.
- You must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa). Only limited exceptions apply.
- You are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when you travel to the United States by air. The timing of this test depends on your vaccination status and age.
CDC may grant humanitarian exemptions on an extremely limited basis when emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s life, health against a serious danger, or physical safety and testing cannot be completed before travel. Please contact your airline for guidance. If you are a Non-U.S. Citizen needing further assistance, please email SeoulNIVCaseSpecific@state.gov with information requested by the CDC in order to request an exemption.
Does a negative test result, document of recovery, or proof of vaccination need to be in English?
- Airlines and other aircraft operators must be able to confirm the test result and proof of vaccination and review other required information and should determine when translation is necessary for these purposes. If your documents are in a language other than English, you should check with your airline or aircraft operator before travel.
I am not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; however, my child is a U.S. citizen. Will I be able to board a flight to the United States based on my child’s citizenship status?
- No, if you are not a U.S. citizen and are not an immigrant, you are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. If you do not meet the requirements to be considered fully vaccinated, you will not be able to board your flight to the United States, unless you meet criteria for one of the exceptions.
Do I need to quarantine after arrival in the United States?
- Please follow CDC recommendations